As we navigate the dynamic landscape of 2024, small businesses and community organisations are discovering fresh ways to connect with their audience through events.
In this era of intimate gatherings and personalised experiences, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve while remaining mindful of practical considerations.
Here are some realistic and trend-forward event ideas for 2024, tailored specifically for small businesses and organisations looking to boost engagement around their events.
What will help boost my event engagement?
If you are looking to boost engagement for your events in 2024, you’ve come to the right place. While we will share some key event trends, we want to share what makes a “good” and “engaging event” in 2024 (and beyond).
The first thing you will want to really bring to life with your event is a personalised experience for your guests. You want people to feel special and to talk about your event for weeks, months and even years to come.
Think outside the box with the experience you can provide. With the continuous growth of content creation on social media, you might also want to think “what can we create that will get people to share it on social media”. If that aligns with your goal, of course.
Think about that attention grabbing stuff. You might even poll your audience to see what would make their experience feel extra special and unique.
Another thing we are looking for in 2024 is human connection. After a long time in lockdown (and still recovering) the importance of human connection is invaluable. Think about how you can bring more of your attendees together.
But what you also need to remember with your event (especially in 2024) is the cost. With interest rates rising and everything becoming more expensive, people are looking for events that are local and more cost effective for them and their family. At the end of the day, people want to see they will get a return on investment by attending your event (this doesn’t mean in monetary value, they just need to see it is worth it). Know your audience and understand the price point and what they are looking for when it comes to attending an event in years to come.
Lastly, you want to ensure your event is accessible. After consistent communication with local government, there is a heightened focus on making sure all events are accessible for everyone. If you need more inspiration, you just need to look at what Dylan Alcott has done with Ability Fest!
If you can focus on understanding what your attendees are looking for, what is required to create an accessible and appealing event for all your potential attendees, it will be a no-brainer for them to attend and engage.
So, what could you plan for 2024 to create an event people will love? Let us share the trends with you now.
Event ideas for 2024
- Pop-Up Marketplaces
Tap into the popularity of pop-up events by organising your own marketplace. This allows local businesses to showcase their products or services in a shared space, fostering a sense of community and supporting the shop-local movement. Consider themes like sustainable products, handmade crafts, or wellness items.
- Digital Workshops and Webinars
Bring your expertise to a broader audience by hosting digital workshops or webinars. Use platforms like Zoom or social media to conduct informative sessions related to your industry. This trend caters to the growing demand for accessible and valuable online content. We do have a bit of a love-hate relationship with online events, so before you go down this path, make sure you check out our article on hybrid and online events.
- Local Art Walks
Celebrate local talent and creativity by organising art walks in your community. Partner with local artists and galleries to showcase their work in various venues. This event idea not only supports the arts but also attracts foot traffic to local businesses.
- Community Clean-Up Events
Embrace social responsibility and community engagement by organising clean-up events. Collaborate with local environmental groups, schools, and businesses to clean up parks, streets, or beaches. This trend not only contributes to a cleaner environment but also fosters a sense of community pride.
- DIY Craft Workshops
Encourage hands-on creativity with do-it-yourself (DIY) craft workshops. Choose simple and cost-effective projects that resonate with your audience. This trend allows participants to express themselves while fostering a sense of accomplishment.
- Local Foodie Experiences
Showcase the culinary delights of your community by organising local foodie experiences. Collaborate with nearby restaurants, food trucks, or chefs to create tasting events, culinary tours, or cooking classes. This trend brings people together through a shared love of food and supports local businesses
- Wellness Retreats
Prioritise health and well-being with wellness retreats that focus on mental, physical, and emotional rejuvenation. Offer meditation sessions, yoga workshops, and nutritious food options. Partner with health experts and mindfulness coaches to create a holistic experience that promotes balance and self-care.
- Sustainability Festivals
In 2024, sustainability is not just a trend but a way of life. Organise a sustainability festival that focuses on eco-friendly practices, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. Feature workshops, panel discussions, and interactive exhibits to inspire attendees to make sustainable choices in their daily lives. But why stop at sustainability from an environmental perspective, what will help boost engagement with your events is running them long-term. This helps build sustainability across your organisation. We talk about consistency with events in this article if you want to learn more.
- Hybrid Expos
Blend the best of both worlds by organising hybrid events that combine in-person and virtual components. This approach allows you to reach a wider audience while still providing the benefits of face-to-face interactions. Leverage advanced event technology to seamlessly integrate virtual and physical experiences. Again, if you are looking to do a hybrid event, we recommend you check out our article all about online and hybrid events here.
- Embracing Tech
Technology has been at the top of the event trend for years and certainly doesn’t change in 2024. With Artificial Intelligence taking the world by storm, if you can embrace technology with your event in 2024, you will be “up with the trend”. Tech can really help you build those “outside of the box” ideas for your event.
Final thoughts
For any small business or community organisation planning an event, it is about creating meaningful connections and fostering a sense of belonging while managing it within your everyday work.
These realistic and trend-forward event ideas for 2024 provide a roadmap for memorable experiences that align with the values of your organisation.
By embracing these trends, your small business or community group can make a lasting impact while staying true to its roots. Here’s to a year of events that resonate, inspire, and strengthen local connections!
If you want to stay ahead of the game in 2024 but need some more guidance, let’s have a chat about how we can help you.